Cedar Rapids water park developer shifts focus to land near Hawkeye Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS - The developer of a proposed indoor/outdoor water park in Cedar Rapids has shifted his plans to a new location for the roughly 5-acre project.

Nick Ford, CEO with the proposed Cedar Bayou water park, said Thursday he now intends to build next to Hawkeye Downs Speedway and Expo Center, 4400 Sixth St. SW.

'This is our final spot, this is where we plan on developing,” Ford said, reiterating comments he made Wednesday during a 1 Million Cups event in Iowa City.

Josh Moore, president of the All Iowa Agricultural Association, which operates Hawkeye Downs and owns the land being discussed for the water park, said no formal agreements have been made, but discussions have taken place about a possible property sale and partnership between the racetrack and water park.

Moore said an agreement could involve shuffling around some amenities on the Hawkeye Downs campus, but the racetrack and center aren't going anywhere.

'We anticipate zero interruption of our current programming and tenant agreements,” Moore said.

He added all communications to this point have been conceptual.

'A lot of the serious discussion has yet to be had, such as, ‘What does this thing look like' and ‘How does that fit into the Hawkeye Downs campus?' ” Moore said.

Ford said a few factors - including concerns about traffic - played into his decision to move away from his original plan to build on vacant property south of Lincolnway Park near the intersection of 66th Avenue SW and J Street SW.

Ford said he hopes to break ground as soon as next year on the approximately $85 million project.

Ford said he continues to seek funding for the project. He expects about 60 percent of the money to come from private investors and the remaining funds to come from sponsorships. He didn't rule out seeking state and local financial assistance.

Although plans are preliminary, Cedar Bayou is envisioned as an indoor/outdoor water park that includes rides, a hotel, RV park, lazy river, food court with restaurants and shops and a more traditional swimming pool with lap lanes and room for swimming lessons and therapeutic sessions.

The indoor facilities would measure more than 60,000 square feet and the outdoor water park would span close to five acres.

Ford and Moore said the water park and speedway could potentially benefit each other.

'I think there's a way to leverage a partnership,” Moore said.